Norfolk, Va.(RUSHPRNEWS)09/12/2008 — Now that kids have settled back into school, parents will want to make sure that their kids steer clear of meat- and animal product-related diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. VegCooking.com has come up with the following list of healthy, easy-to-prepare, and delicious lunchbox stuffers to help kids start the new school year lean and green:

1. Homegrown Happy Meal: Heat up a frozen vegan burger patty and throw in some oven-baked fries and a surprise toyS
2. Ham ‘n’ Cheese: Take some vegan ham, bologna, or salami slices and a slice of soy cheese and pile them high on your kid’s favorite bread or crackers.
3. Pizza With an English Twist: Top a toasted English muffin with a dollop of pizza sauce, a slice of vegan cheese, and junior’s favorite vegetable toppings.
4. Super Rollups: Spread a soft tortilla with Tofutti brand vegan cream cheese or veggie pepperoni and vegetables, roll it up, and cut it into pinwheels.
5. PB&J, Deconstructed: A new take on an old classic. Pack the peanut butter and jelly in separate cups and add breadsticks, celery, and apple slices for dipping.
6. Spiral Pasta Salad: Mix tricolor pasta spirals (kids love them!) with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and vegan mayo or dressing. Faux-chicken bits are optional.
7. Tacos to Go-Go: Try black-bean and brown-rice tacos made with flour or corn tortillas. They’re so delicious, your kid will never guess how nutritious they are.
8. Beat-the-Chill Chili: Warm your kids up on winter days by heating Hormel’s canned vegetarian chili-available nationwide-and packing it in a thermos.
9. The PETA Pita: Cut mini pitas in half and stuff them with hummus, falafel, or another favorite sandwich filling and add some veggies.
10. Beanies and Veggie Weenies: Simply add sliced veggie dogs to Heinz or Bush’s vegetarian baked beans, and voilÃ ! Smiles everywhere!
“It’s a fact that well-nourished kids do better in school,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “And there’s no better way to ensure their good health than by packing their lunchboxes with vegan foods that have all of the flavor but none of the cholesterol and cruelty of meat and dairy products.”
For more back-to-school lunch ideas, please see the “Pack a Lunch With Punch” feature at PETA’s Web site VegCooking.com.Contact:Lindsay Rajt 757-622-7382